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What we love: Jenny Han, green silk dress with white flower print, $200.Why we love it: Because not only do we love ''going green,'' we also love the feel of silk on our skin after a long day at the beach. Where to get it: emporium, 4710 S. LeJeune Rd., Coral Gables; 786-268-0689What we love: Amy nugget necklace, $795; Nugget clip earrings, $245.Why: This combination can be taken from the boardroom to the playground, no questions asked.Where: Steven Anton Rehage, 3162 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove; 305-441-0414Also mentioned in this piece: Olian Maternity, 356 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305-233-9116Some of South Florida's newest mom and pop retail meccas are sprouting up in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables.
Emporium offers items from emerging designers that range from frocks to organic baby clothing to crocodile clutches. After four years of planning -- during which owner and former pastry chef Sara Zamikoff, 35, sought out independent designers such as Vive La Reine, Lula Bella, Forties, Taca and Chelsea Flower -- the shop was opened in a quiet strip mall not far from the Village of Merrick Park's high-end boutiques.
The native Canadian shop owner, formerly a vegan, also carries eco-friendly brands like Mat and Nat and dog collars made from recycled belts.
Prices range from $6 to $600.
Customers are welcomed by Maple, Zamikoff's dog, then offered Zami coffee and green tea, Zamikoff's own special blends.
For those in need of a sugar fix, treats such as Italian rum-soaked figs, rose petal preserves and lavender treats are on hand as well.
''I wanted this to be a one-stop shop with unique items that you can't get everywhere,'' said Zamikoff.
In the past, Coral Gables' landmark Miracle Mile was known for its bridal shops. Today, it has a different breed of stores. Lili Del Cueto, 49, opened Olian maternity there in January.
She got the idea when she was pregnant with her second child.
''I would design my own maternity clothing and people would stop me and ask me where I got my clothes,'' said Del Cueto. In 1990, she began selling her designs to maternity stores around the country.
At the new store, items sell between $50 and $199. Del Cueto said that since her clothing is so transitional, a woman doesn't have to be pregnant to wear it. She is planning a high-end contemporary line aimed at women who aren't expecting.
In Coconut Grove, Plantation-born Steven Anton Rehage, 38, opened his eponymous jewelry boutique. Inspired by nature and the ocean, his collections consist of softened edges and carry names like ''May peace be with you'' and ''Cure for the summertime blues.'' Bowls of beads allow for customers to be involved in the creative process. Once sketched by Rehage, the design is sent to silversmiths in Mexico. ''Jewelry empowers women,'' Rehage said.
